My spouse got me a wilted bouquet from the trash can for my birthday, and I had to retaliate against him for such a “wonderful” present.
I got a wilting bouquet on my birthday.
I asked icily, “Where are the flowers from?” to my spouse. From our garbage can?
— What is the matter? They were thrown out too soon by some fool. “They will last for another two weeks,” my spouse said coolly. — Those are lovely flowers.
I was shocked by what I heard.
— Really? You chose the garbage can to give me flowers. Do I deserve that?
It’s not a gift for you, actually. I declared that I would not provide anything. “Only for show,” he shrugged.
At that point, I blew up:
I’ve had enough of your cheapness! Next time, what will you bring? Any leftovers? Is it typical, in your opinion?
— What is the matter? Flowers are flowers. Additionally, he pointed out that they were on the bin’s top rather than within.
I was so repulsed that I remained silent. I simply went to my room. Wept for a long while. Apologies to myself.
He kept the flowers in the house for a few more days before throwing them away himself and returning to their original location.
I got over my anger. However, forgiveness does not equate to forgetting. I therefore made the decision to offer him a “gift” on his anniversary that he would undoubtedly remember.
It was two months later. Alexey celebrated her 40th birthday. Superstitious, he asserted that it was “not customary” to celebrate.
I sent him a note congratulating him and promising a gift.
I arrived home early and set the table in a symbolic manner.
He got closer to nine. You didn’t need to go to such trouble, I said as I glanced at the table.
I reasoned that a little celebration wouldn’t hurt. In addition, I got you a gift! — With joy, I said and hurried to the room.
I returned with a red-ribbon-tied box and gave it to him.
— What is this? — He gave the box a shake.
I grinned and said, “Open it and find out.”
Curious, he opened the lid, removed the ribbon, and peered inside.
Seeing his countenance alter was hilarious.
With two fingers, he pulled out a sock and questioned indignantly, “Socks and… underwear?. — Why faded and without tags? Have they been worn before?
Indeed. You don’t always need to purchase new items! I purchased them at a discount store, — I purposefully answered with a smile.
He became irate and said, “How did you even consider that?” … and tossed the package on the ground.
I calmly glanced at him and said:
You thought of bringing me flowers from the garbage can in exactly the same way.
